[AU; 2026] Part 1 - Melbourne | Start of the long journey & Yarra Valley

Australia Long Trip | Part 1 - Melbourne

I was assigned to go for a long Australia work trip at the start of the year, and I will share things that I enjoyed in the trip! My sister tagged along this trip so that she could experience Australia for the first time and visit her friend.

Hopping on a Qantas flight after a long time, have been trying to clock on Star Alliance and failed - I lost my Qantas / One World status, so no more warm welcome at the boarding gate:

Day 1

Yes probably day 1, we arrived Melbourne early morning and the room was not ready. Hence grab a brunch at a nearby Japanese cafe, asian comfort food for a long ride as always:

Namoo Japanese Cafe

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ozxcr4ERHS4vAP4w5

The staff were quite friendly and food was prepared really quickly - probably because they were within the office areas. Food was good, quite a nice place to enjoy lunch alone or a group.

Check-in was ready after lunch. It has a good space for two to throw all the stuff around in the living area & functional simple kitchen:

The Canvas Apartment Hotel

https://maps.app.goo.gl/P1X35tgNwmSR2BJv6

Bed was great too, had really good night sleep:

Washroom was perfect sizing, just the basin was tiny:

The most important for long trips, washer & dryer:

Location wise - it was at a corner of Flinders Street, next to the Southern Cross Station. I wouldn't say it was the best location if you're planning to roam around the city, it was quite far from everywhere. And there were some construction ongoing that we couldn't take the tram towards some directions. I think I would try out another location next time. But if you're driving and city location doesn't matter to you, I think this is quite a sweet spot. Just the tram and trains work hard through the night, so they may be a bit noisy.

Higher Ground

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8swEisAuMxWFZUyA6

I had a short coffee break, and tried this popular cafe. I don't drink coffee, but I accidentally order a coffee drink, and I had to say it was quite yummy. The cafe vibe was good, and definitely a recommend if you're looking for a coffee fix! The whole cafe vibe was great too!

We had a thai food somewhere near the hotel, but it doesn't seem to appear on the google map anymore... oh well.

Day 2

I woke up really early in the morning, to get a ride up to Yarra Valley:

It was a very scenic ride up to the valley, I enjoyed it as a passenger. Blue skies, pretty clouds, and farm animals.

Usually people visit the Yarra Valley for wines, chocolates and just chill out. But I was there for a work meeting, so I didn't manage to see much other than the drive up to the valley.

I was served with good food, so that's all it matters. The vegetables were all from the restaurant's own garden!

The Valley Estate

https://maps.app.goo.gl/UshyrmG7xMHZQqDD9

I got a ride back to the CBD - and definitely one of the best sunset rides I ever had:

See you at Part 2 of Melbourne!